Morgan County agricultural producers have seen little damage from the flooding overall. According to the Fort Morgan Times, most of the areas in which flood waters overflowed the banks of the South Platte River were pastures, and cattle producers had plenty of warning to get their stock out of those and other fields. Crops in standing water may rot before the water dries up, but more than 95% of crops in the county were not touched by the flooding at all.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Wiggins Gets New Water
Wiggins new water supply's started flowing. It still has to be cleaned up. The Fort Morgan Times reports the water will be clean soon, but the in-town water pipe system still has nitrate residues, and town officials are monitoring it. Things should be cleared up by the beginning of next week. Town officials have been told that it may be until Thanksgiving before the town's water blending equipment is in place. That equipment would blend the old water supply with the new supply to stretch the amount of water the town has on hand.
More of the Missing Accounted For
Boulder County emergency officials say all people reported missing by family and friends in flooded communities have been accounted for. Jennifer Bray says five teams of detectives have been compiling lists, eliminating duplicate names, cross-checking evacuees and going door to door to track down people.
Bray says emergency officials are still getting 20 to 40 calls per day of missing people, but many have turned out to be unfounded or for people located outside the county. Larimer County sheriff's spokesperson John Schulz says the number of people unaccounted for there stands at 139, but is expected to drop.
Bray says emergency officials are still getting 20 to 40 calls per day of missing people, but many have turned out to be unfounded or for people located outside the county. Larimer County sheriff's spokesperson John Schulz says the number of people unaccounted for there stands at 139, but is expected to drop.
Distribution center open at Logan Co. fairgrounds
A bulk distribution center has opened under the south end of the Logan County Fairgrounds grandstands.
The Journal-Advocate reports the center accepting cleaning kits, cases of water, toilet paper, gloves, and personal wipes.
The center remains active while supplies last. It operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The Journal-Advocate reports the center accepting cleaning kits, cases of water, toilet paper, gloves, and personal wipes.
The center remains active while supplies last. It operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Economic figures for Colorado coming out today
The release of state economic figures today influences the governor's November budget proposal to lawmakers for next year.
The previous forecast in June showed the state economy continued to grow, with employment levels back to pre-recession numbers.
However, the floods could dampen the growth.
The previous forecast in June showed the state economy continued to grow, with employment levels back to pre-recession numbers.
However, the floods could dampen the growth.
People with flood damage urged to contact FEMA
People who have experienced any property damage or other loss as a result of flooding are urged to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA can help property owners evaluate the damage or loss and determine whether assistance may be available. Residents should contact FEMA regardless of whether they carry flood insurance or not, because aid may still be available.
The number to call is (800) 621-FEMA (3362).
Property owners who have experienced flood-related losses or damage are encouraged to contact FEMA as soon as possible to inform the agency of the damage and find out what assistance may be available.
Those with flood damage or losses can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov/ and get information on potential sources of assistance and aid. Visitors to this website can fill out an anonymous 11-question survey to determine their possible qualification for assistance, and be linked directly to many aid agencies.
FEMA can help property owners evaluate the damage or loss and determine whether assistance may be available. Residents should contact FEMA regardless of whether they carry flood insurance or not, because aid may still be available.
The number to call is (800) 621-FEMA (3362).
Property owners who have experienced flood-related losses or damage are encouraged to contact FEMA as soon as possible to inform the agency of the damage and find out what assistance may be available.
Those with flood damage or losses can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov/ and get information on potential sources of assistance and aid. Visitors to this website can fill out an anonymous 11-question survey to determine their possible qualification for assistance, and be linked directly to many aid agencies.
Morgan Co., Fort Morgan have preliminary flood damage estimates
Officials hope for federal, state aid to deal with millions in losses
On Sept. 14, 2013, at 6:15 p.m., the Morgan County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed a Disaster and Emergency in Morgan County as a result of the major flooding of the South Platte River. The City of Fort Morgan enacted a similar proclamation and disaster declaration for the city soon thereafter.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from various agencies and departments, effectively coordinated the immediate response to actual and potential losses across the entire county. Fort Morgan officials established an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate similar efforts within the city, and worked closely with the sheriff’s office and other county and agency officials at in incident command post in the field.
The recovery and assessment phase was immediately initiated by the Morgan County Commissioners through the county departments to produce a Preliminary Damage Assessment for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Colorado.
The County’s Preliminary Damage Assessment submitted on Sept. 18 contained the following information:
-- Individual Assistance – Residential Property Damage: $1,510,800 (For residential assessment information please contact Bob Wooldridge, Morgan County Assessor at (970) 867-3512.)
-- County Bridge Infrastructure: $4,560,000
-- County Asphalt Infrastructure: $3,350,000
-- Gravel Road Infrastructure: $786,000
Most of the damage in the City of Fort Morgan was sustained in Riverside Park along the river, which remains closed indefinitely. The park damage includes facilities like playing fields, ponds and shelters as well as substantial damage to numerous hiking trails and the riverbank itself.
The city is also estimating the cost of its emergency response to the flood, which involved many city employees working long hours, especially during the first two days of the emergency. The cost of city employee labor alone from the time the response started through Sept. 18 is about $30,000.
The city’s total damages and expenditures are expected to exceed $20 million. City infrastructure damage and cost estimates are still being finalized and will be submitted to the state and FEMA soon.
On Sept. 14, 2013, at 6:15 p.m., the Morgan County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed a Disaster and Emergency in Morgan County as a result of the major flooding of the South Platte River. The City of Fort Morgan enacted a similar proclamation and disaster declaration for the city soon thereafter.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from various agencies and departments, effectively coordinated the immediate response to actual and potential losses across the entire county. Fort Morgan officials established an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate similar efforts within the city, and worked closely with the sheriff’s office and other county and agency officials at in incident command post in the field.
The recovery and assessment phase was immediately initiated by the Morgan County Commissioners through the county departments to produce a Preliminary Damage Assessment for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Colorado.
The County’s Preliminary Damage Assessment submitted on Sept. 18 contained the following information:
-- Individual Assistance – Residential Property Damage: $1,510,800 (For residential assessment information please contact Bob Wooldridge, Morgan County Assessor at (970) 867-3512.)
-- County Bridge Infrastructure: $4,560,000
-- County Asphalt Infrastructure: $3,350,000
-- Gravel Road Infrastructure: $786,000
Most of the damage in the City of Fort Morgan was sustained in Riverside Park along the river, which remains closed indefinitely. The park damage includes facilities like playing fields, ponds and shelters as well as substantial damage to numerous hiking trails and the riverbank itself.
The city is also estimating the cost of its emergency response to the flood, which involved many city employees working long hours, especially during the first two days of the emergency. The cost of city employee labor alone from the time the response started through Sept. 18 is about $30,000.
The city’s total damages and expenditures are expected to exceed $20 million. City infrastructure damage and cost estimates are still being finalized and will be submitted to the state and FEMA soon.
CDOT creates infrastructure recovery force
Governor John Hickelooper and Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Don Hunt today announced the establishment of an infrastructure recovery force (IR Force) to clear, repair and reconstruct components of the state highway system caused by the recent flooding by December 1, before the onset of winter. The IR Force will also provide coordination and assistance to local government in reestablishing critical links to local roads, bridges, water, sewer, power, and communications.
“This Infrastructure Recovery Force will help provide a single point of focus and coordination to help us reconnect our communities and rebuild Colorado’s roads and bridges,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “It will have three primary objectives: speed, efficiency and to improve our transportation system.”
Scot Cuthbertson, CDOT Deputy Director and Johnny Olson, current Regional Transportation Director for Region 4 – Greeley will command the IR Force which will adopt an Incident Command Structure. Heidi Bimmerle Humphreys will become acting CDOT Deputy Director while Myron Hora will become acting RTD for Region 4. Cuthbertson and Olson will be joined by a reassignment of CDOT staff to the IR Force whose mission will be focused on:
· Response: Including debris clearing, temporary road building and portable bridges. The work will be conducted by CDOT staff, emergency contractors and National Guard where possible. This work will be conducted in the next few months.
· Recovery: Including more traditional infrastructure construction which will occur over the next year to establish permanent roadways and bridges.
The IR Force will accomplish recovery work through the rotational assignment of statewide CDOT maintenance, engineering, and support employees. In addition, CDOT personnel will be supplemented by private construction forces and National Guard. The Incident Command Structure which includes several key support areas including operations, planning, logistics, finance/admin, communications, safety and liaisons to communities.
Work has already begun to continue assessment and begin repairs on the 200 lane miles of state highway and 50 bridges that have been destroyed, damaged or impacted by the flood. The Federal Highway Administration has made $35 million in “Quick Release” emergency fund relief available and the CDOT Transportation Commission has allocated $100 million to begin initial repairs.
“With winter on our heels, we will be restoring routes to communities that currently have limited access,” said CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt. “Over the next 60 days, our IR Force, with help from the contracting community, National Guard and our state and federal partners, will focus on removing debris and building temporary roads to improve access to as many impacted routes as possible. It is imperative that we restore as much highway infrastructure as possible in the next two to three months.”
“This Infrastructure Recovery Force will help provide a single point of focus and coordination to help us reconnect our communities and rebuild Colorado’s roads and bridges,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “It will have three primary objectives: speed, efficiency and to improve our transportation system.”
Scot Cuthbertson, CDOT Deputy Director and Johnny Olson, current Regional Transportation Director for Region 4 – Greeley will command the IR Force which will adopt an Incident Command Structure. Heidi Bimmerle Humphreys will become acting CDOT Deputy Director while Myron Hora will become acting RTD for Region 4. Cuthbertson and Olson will be joined by a reassignment of CDOT staff to the IR Force whose mission will be focused on:
· Response: Including debris clearing, temporary road building and portable bridges. The work will be conducted by CDOT staff, emergency contractors and National Guard where possible. This work will be conducted in the next few months.
· Recovery: Including more traditional infrastructure construction which will occur over the next year to establish permanent roadways and bridges.
The IR Force will accomplish recovery work through the rotational assignment of statewide CDOT maintenance, engineering, and support employees. In addition, CDOT personnel will be supplemented by private construction forces and National Guard. The Incident Command Structure which includes several key support areas including operations, planning, logistics, finance/admin, communications, safety and liaisons to communities.
Work has already begun to continue assessment and begin repairs on the 200 lane miles of state highway and 50 bridges that have been destroyed, damaged or impacted by the flood. The Federal Highway Administration has made $35 million in “Quick Release” emergency fund relief available and the CDOT Transportation Commission has allocated $100 million to begin initial repairs.
“With winter on our heels, we will be restoring routes to communities that currently have limited access,” said CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt. “Over the next 60 days, our IR Force, with help from the contracting community, National Guard and our state and federal partners, will focus on removing debris and building temporary roads to improve access to as many impacted routes as possible. It is imperative that we restore as much highway infrastructure as possible in the next two to three months.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)